It’s a short-travel trail bike designed to be fast and efficient but capable enough when things get spicy, which Joe says is the kind of bike he likes to ride more often, whether for a energy hours or longer.
It uses the same frame as the original 140mm travel Murmuur, but uses its adjustable shock mount and a shorter shock and fork to drop the travel to 120mm. Combined with lighter parts and faster tires, this is designed to help it climb and cover the ground much better.
• 120mm travel, 120mm fork
• Steel frame
• 29″ wheels.
• Head angle 66.2°
• Chain 445 mm
• Sizes: M, Medium+, L, XL, XXL
• 7 years warranty
• Claimed weight: “about 13 kg” (28.7 lb)
• DT shock frame price: £2,549
• Full price, including VAT: £7,650
• starlingcycles.com
Frame details
This isn’t a low-end frame, so it won’t be the lightest option in the category. However, Starling’s approach is more adaptable. With a different shock and fork, it can be converted to a regular 140/160mm travel mumbler thanks to the adjustable shock mount. With an alternative wing, it can also be converted into a Twist hybrid bike or a Mega Murmur enduro bike for longer rides.
The frame is also covered by Starling’s 7-year warranty against manufacturing defects to the original owner. In addition, they offer a crash replacement service where Starling promises to fix any crash damage for the cost of postage only. Also, new and ‘9th hand’ owners can use their refurbishment and repair service, for fresh bearings, paint and graphics (for a fee).
The combination of adaptability, simplicity and after sales support can help the frame last a long time. That’s what Starling says, anyway.
The frame’s front triangle is handcrafted in the UK using Reynolds 853 heat-treated steel tubing, while the rear triangle is manufactured by ORA in Taiwan using heat-treated chromoly.
The Mini Murmur uses a 210x50mm shock to provide 120mm of travel. It has a UDH hanger, bottle boss under the top tube, a threaded BB, ISCG tabs and fully external cable routing.
Geometry
Offering five sizes between medium and XXL, Starling can keep sizing compact enough for those near the middle of the bell curve. The variation in reach between sizes starts at just 15mm, then 20mm and finally 30mm towards the larger sizes.
The head angle is nothing extraordinary these days, but the effective 79-degree seat tube stands out – that’s pretty fair for a bike of this travel. This may help it more towards sprinting on steep slopes than cruising long distances.
The 46mm BB drop will put the bottom bracket about 325mm off the ground, which should offer some stability on steep descents.
Components
The Mini Murmur will be available as a shockless frame for £2,150, or with a DT Swiss R535 companion for £2,549. The complete bike shown here with DT Swiss, Hope and Shimano XT components costs £7,650 including VAT.
Full Mini Murmur Specifications:
fork: DT Swiss F323 One 120mm
SHOCK: DT Swiss R535 120mm
WHEEL: DT Swiss XMC 1501 F/R
TIRES: Michelin Wild XC
SETTING Carbon fork 165mm / 32T
BB: Hope 30 mm
CHAIN: Shimano 8100 (XT)
CASSETTE: Shimano 8100 (XT)
MECH: Shimano 8100 (XT)
SHIFT: Shimano 8100 (XT)
BRAKES: Hope XCR 4 piston F/R
ROTORS: 180mm Hope Floating F/R
GOODS: Sensus Lite
BAR: Renthal Fatbar Lite V2 T6 Alloy
Stem: I hope TR 40mm
HEADPHONES: Hope
TOP CAP: Hope
SEAT BASE: Hope
SEAT POST: Bike Divine Choice
Remote control of points: I chose by bike
SADDLE: Physical Alpaca X5